The 52-year-old music mogul has decided he wants one of the flightless birds for his own after becoming a fan of Jim Carrey's children's film 'Mr. Popper's Penguins', which sees Jim's character's home get invaded by Gentoo penguins.

He posted on his twitter page: ''Watching mr poppers penguins again. I love this film. I really do want a pet penguin (sic)''

David tweeted back: ''I'm sure Louis Walsh would dress up as one. (sic)''

Lord Alan Sugar, 65, also joined in the jokes, posting: ''You might want to change one of the penguins on the X Factor panel. (sic)

Simon has often spoken about his love for animals and was thrilled earlier this year when 17-year-old Ashleigh Butler and her performing dog Pudsey won 'Britain's Got Talent' as he believed they deserved it the most.

He said: ''I love dogs, I love animals and I really like Ashleigh. They deserve it. That dog will become the most famous dog in the world.''

Simon has even created a new TV talent show called 'That Dog Can Dance', which airs in the UK from Boxing Day (26.12.12), to find more talented canines.